Bike Fitting
Why?
For far too many years in local bicycle shops, fitting has been viewed as a service that is only available and applicable to elite cyclists. We strongly disagree and are setting new standards at Freeze Thaw.
You will hear about the importance of fit at every step of the purchasing process in our store, regardless of what level of rider you are or what style and price range of bike you are shopping for.
Where you see fit throughout the store:
We take pride in keeping a wide selection of fit-related components in stock at all times. Saddles, grips and shoes are the interface at your contact points on the bike. Stems, handlebars, and seatposts help to achieve your overall position. Crank and pedal choices abound to round out your pedaling position. Even gearing, braking and tire choice can complement our fit efforts. Fit is a primary factor in our product mix and frame/bike selection. We are fortunate enough to be in the bike industry at a time where product ergonomics are truly catching up with the fit needs of all cyclists! Ask us about the odd-looking uncut steerer tubes of many bikes on display...
Included with every bike purchase:
Our staff offers on floor bike sizing BEFORE test rides. It is very easy to pass by your perfect bike because the test ride is handed to you off the floor in the frame size conveniently at hand and you go on your way with little or no attention to a realistic saddle height estimate and subsequent handlebar relationship. Even something as simple as a tire pressure check can completely change your experience. Basic suspension tuning is also a key adjustment. Come ready for a Freeze Thaw sizing and test ride setup that takes roughly 15 minutes per model. Allow enough time for this plus your desired test ride length. Note that we strongly encourage you to test ride multiple models back to back to allow for better comparison. Ride in town, on campus, in the neighborhoods or out on the bike paths - we will try to accommodate your comfort needs. All of these efforts are included with our demo and rental programs as well.
Realize that our process takes time. Ordering, assembly, and final fit of the correct size for a given model will typically take 7-10 days. We will never be the store that suits a family of four looking to come in and purchase bikes for everyone and be out the door in 15 minutes - and frankly, we don't want to be. Cyclists deserve better. We structure our inventory in a way that addresses this. While we try to keep size runs of a select few very popular models, most of our sales occur on a per order basis. We strive to keep floor stock limited to size and style options, but not every size in every style. We know our store is smaller than some and we couldn't necessarily do this if we wanted to, but this fits perfectly with our beliefs. Do not expect to find us pushing tempting closeout deals that do not fit your body or style. We've had to remedy this situation for countless victims of this scenario at other seemingly reputable shops and it is rarely a pleasant transaction, until they experience our results!
Professional fit services:
Professional fit services are available for those looking to dial in their fit at the next level on a Freeze Thaw bike and includes storage of all fit data for later use. The process requires an initial appointment of 1.5 - 3 hours on average at a cost of $120 + parts. Expect at least one follow up session, and more as needed, at no additional charge. We know that no bike fit can be completed in the studio - the culmination only truly occurs after a full season of riding and further communication with the fitter. Furthermore, we've been known to do no charge adjustments after a long winter with decreased fitness and flexibility or even in response to injury.
This service is recommended for a custom frame by Hubcap Cycles. I will consult with the builder, John Upcraft, throughout the process and facilitate 3-way communication to ensure proper fit, frame design and even final parts spec. John will credit the customer the cost of my fit towards the frameset purchase.
Jordyn's professional fit services are also included with a custom frame purchase from Independent Fabrication - pricing is built in to frame retail.
Additional fit services:
For fits involving aero bars, add an additional $40. Basic cleat fittings are included with any shoe and pedal purchase. More advanced cleat fits are part of our professional package. Tandems welcome! Pricing is proportionate. Special needs? Just ask. We know our limits and do no harm! As such, we offer referrals to and consult with several local Physical Therapists and Sports Medicine Physicians. We would also be happy to work with your Chiropractor or Yoga teacher to design the most well-rounded solution to your bicycle fit needs.
Mountain Bike fit:
We believe that mountain bikers deserve a better bicycle fitting than they have been offered or have even desired or considered. Mountain bike fit has traditionally been under-served or dismissed as less important by both fitters and riders alike. We spend a lot of time on the trail and understand the bike setup needs and preferences typically associated with the highly technical terrain of Central Pennsylvania and beyond. We also desire to have a conversation with you that addresses this and combines it with a healthy dose of basic ergonomics and fit principles that can improve your experience in the saddle on a switchback climb, out of it in a rock garden, and even behind it on a steep and loose descent.
About the process:
Bike fit at Freeze Thaw is heavier on discussion and lighter on numbers than most offerings currently available. Sure, there is a healthy dose of rulers, tapes, plumb bobs, levels and more to get the truly important numerical data; but there is typically a lengthy introduction talk before you are even asked to mount your bicycle and then much more throughout the session and beyond. The talks that we have after you actually hit the road or trail are some of the most important we will have.
It also has a strong leaning towards comfort and the increases in performance that come with it. Look around and you'll see more of this movement away from aero-at-any-cost fit techniques of the past in all the right places.We are not here to lecture you on perfect riding posture and training regimes - we have the experience to have that conversation if you desire, but it will only come up if it directly applies to YOUR fit solution - we're not all racing!
About our fit studio:
Located in the shop loft, we offer a space separate from the main sales floor where Jordyn has an opportunity to connect with a client - and to connect their bicycle to their body. We want this area to be as relaxing and interruption-free as possible. A handmade fit platform is available to raise rider and bicycle to eye level. Two large mirrors provide an opportunity for the cyclist to see what the fitter sees and to better visualize our conversation and any changes we may choose to make. An array of trainers, rollers, riser blocks and leveling devices are used to set up any bike at level - including a 29" full suspension MTB or even a tandem. Specialty fit tools from a variety of manufacturers are on hand and we are working towards the production of others that are currently unavailable. We do not use a single complete fit kit or system. While such products can be effective and have become the standard for most retailers, they often times serve double duty as sales tools - not pure fit tools. We actually inherited one such system; it's in storage if you'd like to make an offer! Our attention, service, and results are our best sales tools and we display them prominently.
About the shop fit specialist:
Jordyn Drayton is co-founder and sales manager of Freeze Thaw Cycles and is present in the store nearly every day. He has successfully performed more than 350 professional bike fits - experience counts and he is committed to continuing his education in this field and sees every fit as the best hands-on training around. This spring marks the 10th year (out of 27) that you may find him riding and racing mountain, road, track and cross. He commutes by bike almost daily and has a keen interest in bike touring and other long distance adventures - chances are he can relate to your situation.
He is an experienced mechanic and will work with the service staff as needed to implement your setup.
For those that find comfort in seals of approval, he is accredited by Trek Fit Services under the guidance of Michael Sylvester - current owner of Bicycle Fitting Services of Portland, OR. Somewhere under a fine layer of dust is his BA in Public Relations from The Pennsylvania State University - so you should expect him to effectively communicate his knowledge of bicycle fit in a way that means more than just a sheet of numbers to you.
We guarantee the fit of any bicycle purchased at Freeze Thaw and we encourage you to expect the utmost comfort while riding.
